Pages

Thursday, 23 April 2015

Due to the lay of the land around Cotehele Quay when the wind blows from the east it keeps changing direction one minute blowing up the river from Plymouth and the next blowing down the river from Calstock.

The bending on of Shamrock's mizzen sail didn't go completely according to plan as a squally easterly wind was blowing resulting in the sail being flipped from one side of her to the other and the crew needed to be alert to the dangers of a rapidly moving boom and flapping sail. Even with just the mizzen up and Shamrock settling on the mud with the outgoing tide, the force of the sail could still be felt. As a result once the crew was happy with the set of the sail it was quickly lowered, furled and the cover fitted instead of being allowed to air first as would normally happen.

Friday, 17 April 2015

During this years rigging of Shamrock it was found that the main topping lift, the wire and rope that supports the end of the main boom, was short due to a slight change in the way she is rigged. At the time a temporary fix was implemented with a length of tatty nylon rope. With a couple of eye splices and another trip to the top of the mast this has now been corrected by renewing the main topping lift purchase rope with a longer one.

Friday, 10 April 2015

This week has seen the crew take advantage of the continuing fine weather and light breeze to bend on Shamrock's mainsail and staysail. First the main mast was greased, making the raising of the mainsail easier and to help protect its new coat of varnish. After raising both sails they were trimmed to Shaune's liking and then allowed to air before finally being lowered, furled (folded up) and having their respective sail covers fitted.

Early morning river mist Cotehele Quay.

Nancy Belle

Nancy Belle has been floated off, kitted out and generally prepared for the first of her river trips, before being placed on her mooring.